On Penang island is the capital Georgetown, a city steeped in history and tradition yet sparkling with progress and modern development. Certain sections of Penang present a quaint picture from the past where narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seem to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shoppers’ paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices. There is a wide, competitive choice of cameras, electronic and electrical goods, clothing, batik, souvenirs, antiques and knick-knacks. The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging from Nyonya cuisine to stall favourites like nasi kandar, char-kway teow and Penang laksa, which is a different variety from that found in other states.